If your dentist recently referred you to a periodontist, or you’re noticing the signs of gum disease on your own, you may be wondering what to expect on your very first periodontist appointment.
Your team at Periodontal Health Center is here to help you prepare for your periodontist consultation, so you can visit us in Tampa or New Port Richey feeling confident and ready to restore your smile.
Let’s discuss what a periodontist does, when to see a periodontist, and what to expect on your first visit.
What is a periodontist?
A periodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease, as well as other conditions that affect the gums, bone and connective tissues.
Periodontists have to undergo specialized training after dental school in order to become an expert in diagnosing and treating periodontal disease.
At Periodontal Health Center, our team of periodontal specialists is led by Dr. Jessica Stilley, who is nationally recognized as the first board-certified periodontist in Pasco County and has been granted the status of Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology!
We are proud to be a diverse team of all women, all board-certified surgeons. Our team members have years of experience providing exceptional periodontal care, including scaling and root planing, periodontal maintenance, orthodontic surgery, plastic surgery, regeneration surgery, pocket reduction surgery, dental implants, BOTOX® and more!
When to see a periodontist
How do you know when to see a periodontist? There are a few signs that indicate the need for a periodontist consultation. If you notice bleeding gums, inflamed or reddened gums, tender/sore gums, bad breath or loose teeth, it’s time to schedule your first visit!
It’s important that you schedule an appointment as soon as you notice these symptoms of gum disease. According to the CDC, about 47% of adults in the U.S. have some form of severe gum disease! There’s a common misconception that gum disease only affects older adults; however, gum disease is actually more common in young adults than ever before.
Early intervention is key with gum disease! This oral disease can have serious consequences if left untreated. It can lead to tooth loss as well as jaw bone loss, and has been linked to a number of health conditions, including heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
You may want to consider seeing a periodontist if you have certain risk factors for gum disease, such as diabetes, a family history of gum disease, or unhealthy habits – like smoking.
Do I need a referral to see a periodontist?
Your dentist can refer you to a periodontist, but you can also refer yourself to a periodontist by scheduling an appointment with us!
Referring dentists can fill out a form on this page for a quick and easy referral process.
What to expect at your first visit
When you visit our periodontal office in Tampa or New Port Richey, here’s what you can expect:
Thorough evaluation
Your periodontist will perform a thorough evaluation of your oral health. She will review your medical and dental history, take any necessary x-rays, and perform a comprehensive examination of your teeth and gums.
We’ll use our state-of-the-art Cone Beam CT scanning machine to produce 3D digital x-rays that enable us to assess the jaw bones and detect diseases of the jaw.
Depending on your reason for visiting us, this examination may include measuring the depth of the pockets between your teeth and gums, checking for signs of inflammation or bleeding, and assessing the overall health of your gum tissue.
Personalized treatment plan
At Periodontal Health Center, we provide truly personalized care! Our periodontists create treatment plans on an individual basis, because every patient is different.
Based on the results of your evaluation, your periodontist will develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. This may include non-surgical therapies, such as scaling and root planing (a deep cleaning of the teeth and gums), or surgical procedures, such as gum grafting or dental implant placement.
Your periodontist will explain the recommended treatments in detail and answer any questions you may have!
Schedule your first visit today!
Our team of experienced periodontists is dedicated to providing the highest level of personalized care for each patient. We understand that visiting a periodontist for the first time can sound daunting, so we strive to create a welcoming and supportive environment where you feel informed and at ease.
If you have any questions about what to expect at your first visit, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We would be happy to hear from you!
If you’re looking for a “periodontist near me”, schedule your periodontal consultation with us today. A healthy mouth is a healthy body, and we’re here to help you achieve both!
